Opening Time this Good Friday!

With the Dáil having passed all stages of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2017 with all-party support this afternoon, publicans are today celebrating the change in the licensing laws that will allow pubs sell alcohol on Good Friday this year for the first time in 90 years.

The relaxation of the ban on pubs opening on Good Friday, which falls on 30^th March this year, has been welcomed by the VFI and the LVA who’ve described the 90-year old ban as “as archaic and discriminatory”.

Following this afternoon’s vote VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben thanked Independent Senator Billy Lawless who proposed the Bill.

“Along with the LVA we have been fighting to overturn this archaic law for the past decade,” he said, “Today’s decision would not have been possible without the tireless work of Senator Billy Lawless and former Senator Imelda Henry.”

The VFI chief also paid tribute to Michael McDowell, Victor Boyhan and Gerard Craughwell who co-sponsored the Bill in the Seanad. Senator Gerry Horkan also provided invaluable assistance with the Bill.

“Removing the ban is simple common sense,” commented LVA Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe who said the decision to allow the sale of alcohol on Good Friday was long overdue, “The large number of tourists visiting Ireland at Easter were confused by a law that made Ireland appear out of touch with the rest of our European neighbours.

“The extra day’s trade at such a busy time of year will be a welcome boost. This change is a win for our customers, our tourists, our suppliers and the wider hospitality sector,” he added, “The fact the Bill received all-party support illustrates there is little opposition to Good Friday trading, as has always been the case for retailers in other sectors.”

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